Shirley Ann Burroughs Grier’s love of life did not end with her death. Though she passed away on March 3, 2021 at the age of eighty-one after fighting a courageous battle, her loved ones will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest. She was a confident, wise, courageous, and generous woman who made an indelible impression on everyone that she met. Born on August 1, 1939, Shirley was the eldest child of Thomas Watson and Nancy Lee Burroughs. She was also the adored big sister of Thomasina and Carl(deceased). She was pre-deceased by her much-loved husband, Mr. Leamon Forest Grier. An Augusta, GA native, Shirley received her education in the public schools of Richmond County. A proud Lucy Craft Laney High School alumnus, she later went on to earn a degree in education from Paine College.

A longtime educator in the Richmond County School System, Shirley was able to make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of the young children that she taught. Coming from a long line of innovative and successful business owners, entrepreneurship was in her DNA. In this capacity, she owned and operated several successful businesses. But perhaps, her greatest accomplishment was as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She doted on her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And she spent countless hours entertaining and being enthralled by the antics of her great-grandsons, Reginald and Royce Cofer.

Possessing a servant’s heart, Shirley strived to enrich the lives of those in the community through her dedicated membership to the Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the Kappa Silhouettes.

At an early age, Shirley was baptized and became a long-standing member of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Augusta, GA.

Her legacy, firm resolve, and undying faith will be forever cherished by a loving and caring sister Thomasina Burroughs Grant, devoted daughters, Cheryl (Reginald) Cofer and Pamela N. Gordon, adoring grandchildren, Chanita Rene’ Cofer and Reginald (Kelora) Cofer Jr., great-grandchildren, Reginald and Royce, sister-in-law Emma Burroughs, all of Augusta, GA, brothers-in-law, Clarence (Sarah) Grier, Gilbert (Vickie)Grier, of Augusta, GA , Theodore (Lucille) Grier, Clinton MD and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom she loved dearly.

Graveside services will be held Monday, March 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Olive Memorial Gardens, 3666 Deans Bridge Road, Hephzibah, Georgia.

Public viewing will be Saturday, March 6, 2021 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the mortuary.

View the service live through Facebook https://www. facebook.com/whmaysmortuaryaugusta/ or whmaysmortuaryfacebook

W. H. Mays Mortuary, 1221 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30901. (706)722-6401.